Chad Le Clos wins men's 100 metres freestyle in Hong Kong World Cup
South African Olympic gold medallist storms home to triumph in the men's blue riband event and 50m butterfly at the city's spanking new aquatic centre
The National Day fireworks might have been cancelled, but there was another display of pyrotechnics as South Africa's Chad le Clos lit up Victoria Park on Monday night at the Fina/Mastbank World Cup short course meet.
The 2012 London Games gold medallist gave the half-full spectators' gallery something to cheer about at the spanking new swimming complex with a polished and powerful display to win both his events.
Le Clos, who famously defeated American all-time great Michael Phelps to win the London Games 200m butterfly gold, powered through to win the first of his two events in the blue riband 100m freestyle in a world-class time of 46.35 seconds.
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American Thomas Shields was a well-beaten second in 47.80 seconds, while South Africa's Leith Shankland took third place in 47.82.
Hungarian women's star Katinka Hosszu won the most gold medals - four - but the night belonged to Le Clos.
"It was good and I was happy with my time. I was just 0.1 of a second off my best time from Dubai [second leg of the World Cup], so I am happy to have picked up where I left off from last time," said the 22-year-old.
Le Clos had a superb start and was a full length ahead of his nearest rival at the first turn before he continued to dominate the race with a powerful finish.
"I just wanted to try really hard and hold the leaders after the third turn at the 75 [metres]. I'm a little surprised with my form. Hopefully, I can be quicker in the 50m butterfly, which is my main event tonight," he said.